51. A Listener's Tale
Stories from Adventures in Odyssey fans.
By David Hilder | February 27, 2023
Stories from Adventures in Odyssey fans.
By David Hilder | February 27, 2023
I remember first hearing Adventures in Odyssey as a preschooler over twenty years ago. My family got the cassette album The Early Classics and we began learning all about the town of Odyssey. Though the album started with Whit’s Flop, it also included later episodes featuring Eugene, Jimmy Barclay, Isaac Morton, and even Rodney Rathbone. Ironically the episode Nothing to Fear freaked me out, but thankfully Mr. Whittaker was there to make everything all right again. Episodes like Gifts for Madge and Guy had me entertained, though I don’t think I understood all of the humor back then. We soon started listening to the radio broadcasts, and the multi-part episodes and sagas quickly became a family favorite. The Blackgaard saga and The Search for Whit were the gold standard in our house. When the Novacom Saga began airing, we were glued to the radio. Saturday morning was not for cartoons; it was Odyssey time.
When I think about my childhood, it’s impossible to separate it from Adventures in Odyssey. The show was entertaining and exciting, but more than that—it was comforting. Mr. Whittaker, Eugene, and Connie were all there for me during my growing-up years. They advised and uplifted me. They showed me how to be a friend, how to go through the hard times, and how to stand up for what you believe. They reminded me that good will triumph over evil. They encouraged me and gave me a sense of peace. And they pointed to God, the ultimate source of every good thing.
A couple months ago we asked visitors to the AIO Update to tell us how Adventures in Odyssey has impacted you. We wanted to hear your stories, to see how God has used this show to make a difference in people’s lives. Your responses are included in this editorial.
Constanze E. writes, “I uncover AIO fans right away by asking them how they'd spell my name. I always think it's so cute when I see people addressing me as Constance instead of Constanze. The first time I came across your show was in my parents’ car on our way to my grand-uncle’s on SHINE.FM.
I love emotional episodes like The Toy. It's sad that the kid died. But it's so heart-warming to hear the story, how many people make one little child happy. Your show impacts and works in my life because it makes me think about my choices. Like A Lamb's Tale, Tamika loves her stuffed toy but sacrificed it because she wants to make a little girl happy, a stuffed lamb is all that's left for her since she last saw her dad.
I love how you have so many different characters, but they work all together in harmony. Wooton is always happy-go-lucky and is always having fun. But I also love Jason, he is always calm and friendly. Sometimes I wish I was more like him. I think I'm seriously most similar to Connie. She is funny but sometimes no one understands what's going on in her mind.
I hope your show is going on forever or at least another 1000 episodes.”
The incredible cast of characters on Adventures in Odyssey would make a very long list. But I have to agree that Connie is the most relatable. She’s not a genius like Eugene, a spy like Jason, or a renaissance man like Whit. But neither are most listeners. First a teenager and now a twenty-something just trying to figure out her life, Connie Kendall is something special. And she’s special because she’s so ordinary, so life-like. Connie is one of us.
Joanna M. writes, “Connie Kendall has always been the most relatable to me! Her personality and her love for kids has always impressed me! I love the way she relates to the kids. Whenever they need help, they come to her or to Whit or Eugene! How Connie is the last person to find out anything is very much like me! 😂
But the most I love about Connie is how much she loves God! She inspires me to learn more about God and she teaches me so much about Him through all of the show! She truly is an inspiration and an encouragement to me!”
Connie has journeyed alongside us listeners through so much, learning as she goes. It’s been wonderful to hear how she’s matured in her relationships with others and in her relationship with God. More than any other character, I think of Connie as a friend.
Melanie K. writes, “I like the episodes that have Bible verses at the end, or when the characters talk about themes. My favourite episode was about the girl with the diary because we have the same name, which is Melanie. We also both have sisters. My favourite characters are Connie, Eugene, Wooton and Whit. I like Eugene because he says funny things which are sometimes difficult to understand.”
If you find yourself reaching for words and phrases like “surely you jest” or “to borrow the colloquialism” or “indubitably”, you might be an AIO fan. Honestly, I think Eugene had a really positive impact on my vocabulary and my thinking growing up. I love that the writers would introduce a more intellectual character like Eugene in a show geared towards kids. Definitely a risky move, but it paid off. As a kid I didn’t understand everything Eugene said, but I always found him funny, and I think he helped me stretch myself towards learning more.
James C. writes, “I recall hearing the Bigfoot episode when I was a little boy and before I was a believer. I continued to listen to it as I found it entertaining. Now that I am a believer having grown up with AIO, like Whit and Eugene I like to read. I enjoy collecting books and its possible, though I don't know, it’s possible it’s because of Whit's love for books. I still enjoy AIO to this day, the different Whit actors, seeing the character of Whit change a bit as the actors try to embody the character. You know, the actors may change but I am reminded how God never changes. Trusting God is the best thing we can do and then following Him for our days here is the best way to live.”
When I think of specific episodes that help point me to God and the importance of trusting him, classic shows like Pokenberry Falls, R.F.D. and The Underground Railroad come to mind. The faith of our AIO characters is always an inspiration.
Ruth P. writes, “No Adventures in Odyssey episode has impacted me more than Solitary Refinement. It possesses the uncanny ability to strip away all my disguises and distractions and leave me on my knees, hungering after God. God spoke to me so clearly, sharply, and beautifully through Jack Allen's words, and it remains a challenge and encouragement to me still. Amid the busyness of life and the troubles of my own heart, it is wise for me to reflect thus: ‘Are you ready? Are you willing to sit still and be quiet long enough to let God speak to you?’”
That is powerful. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Solitary Refinement is a wonderful reminder of how we need to turn from our usual focus on ourselves and our daily tasks, and turn to God and enter his presence. And the more contemplative Jack Allen is such an interesting character and a great addition to the show. He also plays a role in Eugene’s conversion, an episode that without fail gets me teary-eyed. “Just say yes,” Jack says. And then, with relief and joy, Eugene responds. But not with a lengthy speech of complicated vocabulary. “Yes,” he simply says. “The answer is yes.”
Callie B. writes, “From as young as 6, I remember falling asleep to the voices of Connie, Whit, Eugene, Jason and all the others. They felt like real friends, actual people I could talk to. It seemed my own thoughts and questions about God were portrayed through these characters as they asked Mr. Whitaker for advice. I felt comforted and completely loved by God, falling asleep to so much truth. Now that I’m 21, (and yes I still listen to the show) I’ve seen the incredible impact AIO has had (and continues to have) in my daily life. I memorized bible verses due to Chris’s episode endings, and they helped me out in times of depression. I sought out good mentors, people like Mr. Whitaker in real life to ask questions, particularly about big life decisions such as marriage. Prayer was talked about so much in Odyssey it spurred me on to pray even more in my own spiritual walk. One episode in particular that always sticks with me is Sunday Morning Scramble. While very humorous, the ending with Tom Riley always struck me. God wants obedience but he wants our hearts. I’ll always remember that time with God is a priority and that Church is for spiritual growth, not for impressing others or trying to please God through works.
I can’t imagine a childhood without AIO. Thank you, Adventures in Odyssey for being such a wonderful part of my life!”
What a treasure Adventures in Odyssey is. What an amazing labor of love on behalf of all the writers, editors, engineers, producers, and voice actors. And what a legacy—thirty-five years of faithfulness and still going strong. AIO is something I want to pass on to the next generation when I have a family. I thank God that the show has been a light for so many.
And for you, dear reader, and for all AIO listeners, my prayer is that the show will continue to be a great comfort, a beacon that points to God’s truth, and a source of delight and joy.
When I think about my childhood, it’s impossible to separate it from Adventures in Odyssey. The show was entertaining and exciting, but more than that—it was comforting. Mr. Whittaker, Eugene, and Connie were all there for me during my growing-up years. They advised and uplifted me. They showed me how to be a friend, how to go through the hard times, and how to stand up for what you believe. They reminded me that good will triumph over evil. They encouraged me and gave me a sense of peace. And they pointed to God, the ultimate source of every good thing.
A couple months ago we asked visitors to the AIO Update to tell us how Adventures in Odyssey has impacted you. We wanted to hear your stories, to see how God has used this show to make a difference in people’s lives. Your responses are included in this editorial.
Constanze E. writes, “I uncover AIO fans right away by asking them how they'd spell my name. I always think it's so cute when I see people addressing me as Constance instead of Constanze. The first time I came across your show was in my parents’ car on our way to my grand-uncle’s on SHINE.FM.
I love emotional episodes like The Toy. It's sad that the kid died. But it's so heart-warming to hear the story, how many people make one little child happy. Your show impacts and works in my life because it makes me think about my choices. Like A Lamb's Tale, Tamika loves her stuffed toy but sacrificed it because she wants to make a little girl happy, a stuffed lamb is all that's left for her since she last saw her dad.
I love how you have so many different characters, but they work all together in harmony. Wooton is always happy-go-lucky and is always having fun. But I also love Jason, he is always calm and friendly. Sometimes I wish I was more like him. I think I'm seriously most similar to Connie. She is funny but sometimes no one understands what's going on in her mind.
I hope your show is going on forever or at least another 1000 episodes.”
The incredible cast of characters on Adventures in Odyssey would make a very long list. But I have to agree that Connie is the most relatable. She’s not a genius like Eugene, a spy like Jason, or a renaissance man like Whit. But neither are most listeners. First a teenager and now a twenty-something just trying to figure out her life, Connie Kendall is something special. And she’s special because she’s so ordinary, so life-like. Connie is one of us.
Joanna M. writes, “Connie Kendall has always been the most relatable to me! Her personality and her love for kids has always impressed me! I love the way she relates to the kids. Whenever they need help, they come to her or to Whit or Eugene! How Connie is the last person to find out anything is very much like me! 😂
But the most I love about Connie is how much she loves God! She inspires me to learn more about God and she teaches me so much about Him through all of the show! She truly is an inspiration and an encouragement to me!”
Connie has journeyed alongside us listeners through so much, learning as she goes. It’s been wonderful to hear how she’s matured in her relationships with others and in her relationship with God. More than any other character, I think of Connie as a friend.
Melanie K. writes, “I like the episodes that have Bible verses at the end, or when the characters talk about themes. My favourite episode was about the girl with the diary because we have the same name, which is Melanie. We also both have sisters. My favourite characters are Connie, Eugene, Wooton and Whit. I like Eugene because he says funny things which are sometimes difficult to understand.”
If you find yourself reaching for words and phrases like “surely you jest” or “to borrow the colloquialism” or “indubitably”, you might be an AIO fan. Honestly, I think Eugene had a really positive impact on my vocabulary and my thinking growing up. I love that the writers would introduce a more intellectual character like Eugene in a show geared towards kids. Definitely a risky move, but it paid off. As a kid I didn’t understand everything Eugene said, but I always found him funny, and I think he helped me stretch myself towards learning more.
James C. writes, “I recall hearing the Bigfoot episode when I was a little boy and before I was a believer. I continued to listen to it as I found it entertaining. Now that I am a believer having grown up with AIO, like Whit and Eugene I like to read. I enjoy collecting books and its possible, though I don't know, it’s possible it’s because of Whit's love for books. I still enjoy AIO to this day, the different Whit actors, seeing the character of Whit change a bit as the actors try to embody the character. You know, the actors may change but I am reminded how God never changes. Trusting God is the best thing we can do and then following Him for our days here is the best way to live.”
When I think of specific episodes that help point me to God and the importance of trusting him, classic shows like Pokenberry Falls, R.F.D. and The Underground Railroad come to mind. The faith of our AIO characters is always an inspiration.
Ruth P. writes, “No Adventures in Odyssey episode has impacted me more than Solitary Refinement. It possesses the uncanny ability to strip away all my disguises and distractions and leave me on my knees, hungering after God. God spoke to me so clearly, sharply, and beautifully through Jack Allen's words, and it remains a challenge and encouragement to me still. Amid the busyness of life and the troubles of my own heart, it is wise for me to reflect thus: ‘Are you ready? Are you willing to sit still and be quiet long enough to let God speak to you?’”
That is powerful. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Solitary Refinement is a wonderful reminder of how we need to turn from our usual focus on ourselves and our daily tasks, and turn to God and enter his presence. And the more contemplative Jack Allen is such an interesting character and a great addition to the show. He also plays a role in Eugene’s conversion, an episode that without fail gets me teary-eyed. “Just say yes,” Jack says. And then, with relief and joy, Eugene responds. But not with a lengthy speech of complicated vocabulary. “Yes,” he simply says. “The answer is yes.”
Callie B. writes, “From as young as 6, I remember falling asleep to the voices of Connie, Whit, Eugene, Jason and all the others. They felt like real friends, actual people I could talk to. It seemed my own thoughts and questions about God were portrayed through these characters as they asked Mr. Whitaker for advice. I felt comforted and completely loved by God, falling asleep to so much truth. Now that I’m 21, (and yes I still listen to the show) I’ve seen the incredible impact AIO has had (and continues to have) in my daily life. I memorized bible verses due to Chris’s episode endings, and they helped me out in times of depression. I sought out good mentors, people like Mr. Whitaker in real life to ask questions, particularly about big life decisions such as marriage. Prayer was talked about so much in Odyssey it spurred me on to pray even more in my own spiritual walk. One episode in particular that always sticks with me is Sunday Morning Scramble. While very humorous, the ending with Tom Riley always struck me. God wants obedience but he wants our hearts. I’ll always remember that time with God is a priority and that Church is for spiritual growth, not for impressing others or trying to please God through works.
I can’t imagine a childhood without AIO. Thank you, Adventures in Odyssey for being such a wonderful part of my life!”
What a treasure Adventures in Odyssey is. What an amazing labor of love on behalf of all the writers, editors, engineers, producers, and voice actors. And what a legacy—thirty-five years of faithfulness and still going strong. AIO is something I want to pass on to the next generation when I have a family. I thank God that the show has been a light for so many.
And for you, dear reader, and for all AIO listeners, my prayer is that the show will continue to be a great comfort, a beacon that points to God’s truth, and a source of delight and joy.
This site is in no way affiliated with Focus on the Family. "Adventures in Odyssey" is a registered trademark of Focus on the Family.